The Effect of TikTok Educational Media on Increasing Knowledge, Attitude, and OPI Scores Among Adolescent Users of Fixed Orthodontics in Medan City

Abstract

Fixed orthodontic treatment is one of the corrective procedures used to address malocclusion and is increasingly undertaken by individuals from various backgrounds. At SMA Negeri 1 Medan, 130 out of 1,289 adolescents use fixed orthodontic appliances. Of these, 68% undergo treatment primarily as a fashion trend by imitating others or close friends, while only 32% seek treatment to improve masticatory function. This reflects a lack of knowledge among adolescents regarding the purpose and care of fixed orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to analyze the effect of TikTok as an educational medium on improving knowledge, attitudes, and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) scores among adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances at SMA Negeri 1 Medan. A quasi-experimental design was used, with a pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of 30 students, with 15 students in the TikTok intervention group and 15 in the leaflet group. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, independent t-tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests. The results showed that the TikTok educational media had a significant effect on knowledge (p < 0.001), attitude (p = 0.001), and OHI scores (p < 0.001). The leaflet media also had a significant impact on knowledge (p < 0.001), attitude (p = 0.001), and OHI scores (p < 0.001). However, TikTok was more effective in improving all three outcomes compared to the leaflet. The increase in knowledge following the TikTok intervention (Δ = 8.07) was greater than that of the leaflet (Δ = 6.80; p = 0.047); for attitude, TikTok (Δ = 4.00) outperformed the leaflet (Δ = 3.07; p = 0.007); and for OHI scores, TikTok (Δ = 28.13) showed greater improvement compared to the leaflet (Δ = 23.67; p = 0.022). This study recommends the use of TikTok and leaflets as effective health promotion tools to enhance oral health behaviors among adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances in Medan.